The Detroit Justice Center (DJC) is seeking a bold Staff Attorney to join our Legal Services and Advocacy Practice (LSAP). We partner with communities to create economic opportunities, transform the justice system, and promote equity and justice. Many individuals face systemic barriers due to criminal records, legal debt, and court involvement. Our LSAP team works every day to remove these obstacles and open pathways to stability and freedom.

We are seeking a full-time Staff Attorney to help drive this mission forward. This is a hybrid role that combines an in-office presence with remote work; the Staff Attorney will be expected to work in the office at least two days per week, with additional time for court, meetings, and client engagements as needed.

The anticipated start date for this position is May 27, 2025.

Position Overview:

The Staff Attorney will help clients navigate and overcome legal barriers stemming from incarceration or court involvement. Through the work of our Legal Services & Advocacy Practice attorneys, DJC aims to increase access to housing, employment, family reunification, and financial stability for low-income Detroiters. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Interview clients, assess their legal issues, and develop clear strategy plans.

• Advise and represent clients in legal matters, including:

• Criminal law matters related to DJC’s systemic reform objectives (e.g., suspended driver’s licenses, criminal record expungement, excessive court fines);

• Housing law matters (e.g., illegal or improper evictions);

• Family law matters (e.g., child support, custody, visitation, and guardianship).

• Draft and file pleadings, memoranda, motions, and briefs.

• Litigate cases in state courts and advocate for systemic reforms aligned with DJC’s mission.

• Support movement lawyering strategies that elevate client and community voices in broader campaigns.

• Maintain organized client records and support data collection for reporting and advocacy.

Skills, Knowledge, and Qualifications:

Education:

• J.D. degree required.

• Must be licensed to practice law in Michigan and good standing.

Experience:

• Minimum of 4 years of experience representing clients in criminal and/or civil legal matters.

• Deep experience with indigent defense, public interest, community-based lawyering, or systemic reform efforts strongly preferred.

Legal Skills:

• Outstanding litigation skills, including case strategy development, legal writing, courtroom advocacy, and negotiation.

• Comfort operating across multiple areas of law (criminal, housing, family law).

Communication & Relationship Building:

• Ability to build trust with diverse client communities and community partners.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills. 

• Empathy, humility, and the ability to meet clients where they are.

• Brings creativity to legal strategies and problem-solving.

Commitment to Equity:

At DJC, we are committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace. We understand that candidates from marginalized and underrepresented communities—especially women and communities of color—may hesitate to apply for positions if they do not meet every single qualification listed. We strongly encourage people of color, women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, people with disabilities, and those impacted by the criminal legal system to apply. You may be the right candidate for this position or other opportunities at DJC. We believe diverse perspectives and experiences are critical to driving justice and equity in our work.

Application Instructions: 

Submit your resume and cover letter through our careers website by May 11, 2025.. Please describe your interest in DJC’s mission, values, and relevant experiences in your cover letter. A writing sample and references will be requested from candidates who move forward in the process. 

Salary and Benefits:

The salary range for this role is $90,000–95,000, commensurate with experience.

DJC operates a four-day work week, prioritizing work-life balance and the well-being of our team. In addition to a competitive base salary, we offer a comprehensive benefits package, including 96% employer-paid health coverage, a 2% retirement match, 10 paid holidays, generous PTO, and centering days dedicated to rest and rejuvenation.